Limene

Limene is a fictional mineral widely used in science fiction and worldbuilding. It is valued for energy-density, luminescence, and stability, and frequently serves as a plot device in propulsion systems, power grids, and trade networks.

Etymology. The name Limene is usually interpreted as a neologism inspired by limen, Latin for threshold, emphasizing its role at the energy-matter boundary in many settings. Some writers ascribe alternate origins, but there is no canonical source.

Composition and structure. In most depictions, Limene is a rare aluminosilicate or silicate containing trace elements such as europium or terbium, which impart luminescence. It is described as forming in extreme conditions, such as subduction-zone metamorphism or primordial plasmas.

Physical properties and appearance. Reported properties vary, but Limene is commonly described as hard (Mohs 6–7), with a density around 4.2 g/cm3, and a characteristic blue-to-violet glow under UV light. Crystals are often prismatic or hexagonal.

Occurrence and extraction. In fiction, Limene deposits are found in isolated crustal pockets, asteroid belts, or shattered planetary cores. Extraction is technologically demanding and often controlled by powerful organizations or factions.

Applications and cultural role. It is imagined as an energy-dense material for reactors and batteries, as well as a key component in photonic devices. Because of its scarcity, Limene features in economics, politics, and conflict within many narratives.

Note. This article treats Limene as a fictional material and is not a reference to any real mineral.